In 1904, John T. Brush, owner of the NL-champion Giants, simply refused to play the Boston Pilgrims, who won the American League pennant on the last day of the regular season. But in 1905 Brush relented, and proposed making the World Series a permanent, best-of-seven affair.

The Giants were led by right-hander Christy Mathewson, who paced the National League with 32 wins and a 1.27 ERA in the regular season. He would be even better than that in October. Mathewson got things started with a four-hit shutout in Game 1, the New Yorkers winning 3-0.

Philadelphia's Chief Bender turned the tables in Game 2, tossing a four-hit, 3-0 whitewash of his own. Athletics center fielder Bris Lord knocked in two of Philly's three runs. Those were the last three runs the A's would score.

After a day off, Mathewson took the mound for Game 3 and threw -- yes -- another four-hit shutout. He didn't need to be nearly so fine, as the Giants rocked Athletics starter Andy Coakley for nine runs, first baseman Dan McGann knocking in four of them.

"Iron Man" Joe McGinnity took the mound for New York in Game 4, and didn't miss a beat, permitting five hits and no runs. Game 1 loser Eddie Plank was nearly as good, but the Giants plated an unearned run in the fourth, making the final score 1-0.

Mathewson slipped a little in Game 5, as this time he allowed six hits ... but still no runs. Mathewson clinched the Series with his third straight shutout, a 2-0 decision over Chief Bender.